The names of two people killed in a road crash in Foxton Beach have been released by Police.
14-year-old Bailey Hohepa Kinita, from Shannon, was believed to be a back seat passenger in the Ford Telstar when it lost control and rolled on Foxton Beach Road approximately 4.50am yesterday (Sunday, 20 February).
The woman who also died in the crash, and was believed to be in the front of the vehicle, was Louise Diane Reichenbach from Foxton Beach.
The Police Serious Crash Investigation Unit will return to Foxton Beach Road today to continue with their scene examination and the vehicle will be examined. Police will also start talking in detail today with the two occupants of the vehicle who suffered only minor injuries, and a large number of other witnesses.
Three men, including the 19-year-old driver of the vehicle, remain in Intensive Care at Wellington hospital in a serious condition.
Detective Sergeant Sarn Paroli said: "It is very early in the investigation and there is a lot of information still to be obtained before any conclusions can be drawn. There is some unconfirmed information circulating that the car had been racing with a second vehicle before the crash but at this stage that is speculation. That information will be fully investigated but until then that aspect is unconfirmed.
"What witnesses have told us is that the car had been seen with another white vehicle earlier in the morning; in what context it is unclear. We understand there were two men in that white vehicle and we are keen to speak to them."
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Detective Darcy Parke at Levin Police Station on 06 366 0500. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.